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"Since I’ve been a part of this, I've learned so much about how these dogs affect lives,” Manning said in a statement. “Every year, I listen to people tell their story about how they’re able to accomplish so much more, and to fulfill so many different talents in their lives because of having guide dogs. That’s been very rewarding for me."

The two-day event will be held on Sunday, June 9, and Monday, June 10, at the Mount Kisco Country Club in Mount Kisco and at the Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, Conn.

The event was founded by pro golfer Ken Venturi in 1977 and is Guiding Eyes’ largest annual fundraiser. To date it has raised over $7 million to help the organization provide guide dogs to blind and visually impaired people and service dogs to children with autism.

“You can't put a price tag on Eli Manning's willingness to host and attend the Classic,” said Sue Dishart, vice president of marketing and development for Guiding Eyes. “We are also excited that so many sponsors have jumped on board at this early date.”

More than a dozen players from the United States Blind Golfers Association will compete for the Corcoran Cup on June 9. The sponsor-support outing takes place the following day, when blind golfers challenge sponsors to wear blindfolds and take a shot at hitting the ball – so that they experience golf as a visually impaired person. At last year’s event, Manning took the challenge and sank his putt.

Guiding Eyes, located at 611 Granite Springs Road, is looking for additional Platinum, Gold and Silver level sponsors. Donations can also be made in the form of hole sponsorship or advertising. To find out more about sponsorship opportunities or for general golf information, contact Michelle Brier, director of marketing and communications, at 914-243-2208 or mbrier@guidingeyes.org.